By: Osman Marah
Guinean authorities have instructed officials at Conakry’s Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport to stop Sierra Leonean migrants from using the airport as a transit point for irregular migration and suspected human trafficking.
In a letter dated 17 August 2026, Guinea’s General Directorate of National Police, through the Central Directorate of Border Police, addressed the Special Commissioner of Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport, directing the “correct application” of instructions concerning the passage of Sierra Leonean migrants.
The letter said the measure forms part of Guinea’s efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, and specifically called for a prohibition on the passage of Sierra Leonean migrants through the airport for such purposes.
The directive has raised concerns among Sierra Leoneans who use Conakry as a transit point when travelling abroad.
However, the Government of Sierra Leone has now clarified that the Guinean measure does not amount to a blanket ban on Sierra Leoneans travelling to or through Guinea.
In a public notice issued on 20 August 2026, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education said Sierra Leoneans with valid travel documents who meet the relevant immigration and security requirements may continue to travel to or transit through Guinea for legitimate purposes.
The Ministry said the restrictions apply specifically to Sierra Leoneans seeking to use Guinea as a transit route for migration or overseas employment outside established procedures.
It said Guinean authorities had raised concerns over cases involving irregular migration, suspected human trafficking and unverified overseas employment arrangements.
The Sierra Leone Government has therefore advised citizens seeking employment abroad to follow lawful recruitment, labour and immigration procedures, and to have overseas employment arrangements verified through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security before travelling.
Citizens have also been warned against using Guinea or other transit routes to bypass established procedures, with the Government saying this could expose travellers to trafficking, exploitation, fraudulent job offers and other travel difficulties.
Sierra Leoneans who experience difficulties while travelling through Guinea have been advised to contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry on +224 621 048 214 for consular assistance.
The Government said it will continue working with Guinean authorities and other international partners to facilitate legitimate travel and protect Sierra Leonean citizens.
